Kebbi Government Takes Aim at Senator Maidoki Over Security and Project Allegations

Table of Contents

1. Dismissal of Statements
2. Security Situation
3. Infrastructure Development
4. Political Motivation
5. Senator Maidoki's Criticism

The Kebbi State Government has rejected Senator Garba Maidoki’s recent comments regarding insecurity, development projects, bandit attacks, and displaced communities in the state, labeling them as misleading.

In a statement released on Sunday by Abdullahi Idris, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Governor Nasir Idris, the Kebbi government stated that Maidoki’s remarks misrepresented the security situation, particularly following the abduction of students from the Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, located in the Sakaba Local Government Area.

The government contended that, contrary to Maidoki’s assertion that 200 communities were displaced by banditry, official records indicate that approximately 50 affected communities along the Wasagu–Sakaba axis have returned home due to coordinated security operations. Idris also mentioned that military deployments and field operations were being planned in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters, with the state government providing logistical support.

Regarding infrastructure, the statement highlighted that the reconstruction of the long-neglected federal Koko–Zuru road is currently underway and that security conferences involving traditional rulers, military officials, and academics have been convened to tackle regional challenges.

The government further claimed that Maidoki had not engaged in consultations with representatives of affected communities, implying that his criticisms were politically motivated. “Desperate collaborations by politicians driven by personal interests will not undermine the government’s commitment to the people,” the statement asserted.

Senator Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South, has previously criticized the government’s management of security and infrastructure, resulting in ongoing political tensions with the APC-led administration.